Does Petro Stopping Center reserve the right to revise the Minimum Requirements for development?
Petro_Stopping_Center Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
(a) Plans. You are obligated at your expense to develop and equip the Petro Center in accordance with all of our required plans, space plans, and specifications to suit the use, shape and dimensions of the Petro Center ("Development Plans") and to ensure that such Development Plans and specifications comply with applicable ordinances, codes and permit requirements, and Petro System Standards. If you are converting an existing travel center to a Petro Center (a Conversion Development, as indicated in Exhibit "C"), then the Development Plans will show the necessary changes and upgrades required to convert the Site to a Petro Center. In addition to all of the other requirements set forth herein and pursuant to the Petro System Standards, the Petro Center must be developed in accordance with the minimum requirements set forth at Exhibit "C" (the "Minimum Requirements"). We reserve the right to revise or increase the Minimum Requirements from time to time in our sole discretion, upon prior notice to you. We may require you to hire your own architect to review, modify, and approve the Development Plans. We may also require you to utilize such software or other electronic tools as we designate in connection with the Development Plans. You will be solely responsible for the costs of your architect and for the license fees and other costs relating to the software and electronic tools that we designate.
Source: Item 14 — Other investments (FDD pages 131–208)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Petro Stopping Center's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Petro Stopping Center retains the right to revise the Minimum Requirements for development. Specifically, the FDD states that Petro Stopping Center reserves the right to revise or increase the Minimum Requirements from time to time in its sole discretion, provided that prior notice is given to the franchisee. These Minimum Requirements are initially outlined in Exhibit C of the franchise agreement.
This means that as a prospective franchisee, you must develop and equip the Petro Center in accordance with Petro Stopping Center's plans, space plans, and specifications, ensuring compliance with ordinances, codes, permit requirements, and Petro System Standards. If converting an existing travel center, the Development Plans should reflect necessary changes and upgrades to meet Petro Stopping Center standards.
The fact that Petro Stopping Center can revise these requirements means that franchisees must stay updated on any changes and be prepared to adapt their operations and potentially invest further capital to meet new standards. While Petro Stopping Center is required to provide prior notice, the financial burden of these revisions ultimately falls on the franchisee. It is important for a prospective franchisee to understand the scope and frequency of potential revisions to the Minimum Requirements, as these could significantly impact the overall cost and operation of the franchise.